Canyons Endurance Runs
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Event overview
The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB take place in Auburn, California, a historic gold-rush town in the northern Sierra Nevada foothills. The event is part of the UTMB World Series and is scheduled for 23 - 25 April 2026. The downtown finish is in Auburn. The course crosses sections of the Western States Trail, including the Rucky Chucky river crossing, Devil's Thumb, and Swinging Bridge, and passes by the American River, mountain streams, old wooden bridges, and historic settlements from the gold rush era.
Races and qualification
The event offers multiple race distances with listed elevation gains:
- 161 km (100M) - 5550 m+ elevation gain
- 100 km (100K) - 3750 m+ elevation gain
- 50 km (50K) - 1700 m+ elevation gain
- 25 km (25K) - 850 m+ elevation gain
The Canyons Endurance Runs serve as a dual qualifier for the UTMB World Series Finals and the Western States Endurance Run. The Canyons 100K is designated as a Western States 100 Golden Ticket race, where the top three female and male finishers earn direct entry to the Western States Endurance Run.
Community and environmental programs
UTMB Cares US supports trail stewardship linked to the event. The program has provided grant funding for clean-up and restoration efforts on the Western States Trail, including a specified $50,000 grant in partnership with the Western States Endurance Run and the Tevis Cup. Organizers note that purchase options during registration direct a portion of funds to a local charity chosen by the race team. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
